Ontario Dialing Up New Consumer Protections

Law Requires Clear Contracts and Caps on Cancellation Fees: Ontario’s wireless and cell phone consumers will now get clear information and fewer surprises when they enter into cell phone and wireless services contracts.

Contracts must clearly outline which services come with the basic fee and which would result in extra charges for the consumer

Wireless services providers must get customer consent before amending, renewing or extending a fixed-term contract

Consumers pay less to cancel their contracts.

The act applies to new contracts, as well as existing contracts that are amended, renewed or extended as of April 1, 2014.

Protecting consumers is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

Quick Facts

Approximately eight out of 10 Ontario families have a wireless services agreement.

Overall complaints to the federal Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services have more than tripled over the past four years.

A survey by OpenMedia.ca compiled the opinions and complaints of 2,800 cell phone users who called for an overhaul of the cell phone market.

The province recently launched Consumer Protection Ontario, an awareness program that offers information on consumer rights and public safety, and encourages consumers to ask the right questions before they make a purchasing decision.